The sanctuary takes its name from the eponymous river, its lifeline. Popularly known as Muthodi Wildlife Sanctuary, after the village on its periphery, it is a great place to sight the ferocious tiger, observe the Indian bison, hear the strange calls of the striped hyena and see the rare flying lizard glide amidst the huge trees. The southern part of the sanctuary is rich in birds, butterflies and reptiles. More than 250 species of bird life, many of which are endemic to the Western Ghats, are spotted here. Best Season: October to February.
Location and Area: Chikmagalur and Shimoga Districts; 492.46 sq. kms.

Flora and Fauna:
Moist and dry deciduous forests with patches of shoal-grassland habitat are found at the higher altitudes.

Mammals:
They include the tiger, leopard, wild dog, jackal, elephant, gaur, sloth bear, sambar, spotted dear, barking deer, mouse deer, wild boar, common langur, bonnet macaque, slender loris and the Malabar giant squirrel.

Birds:
More than 250 birds have been identified. The ruby-throated bulbul, shama, Malabar whistling thrush, four species of hornbill, racquet-tailed drongo and the paradise flycatcher are some of them.

Reptiles:
The marsh crocodile, flying lizard, monitor lizard and different kinds of snakes are some of the reptiles found here.